The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) will hold its first-ever virtual National Conference of Architects (NCA) this October 22-24.
UAP, the premier organization of professional architects in the Philippines, is holding this year’s NCA through a virtual conference with “Pagbangon,” a fitting theme to the changing times.
According to Ar. Maria Celcel C. Viray, NCA Director, the theme encourages architects to use their talent and skills in helping the country get back on its tracks amidst the pandemic.
“As Architects, our calling is to create, to innovate, and to serve,” she says. “Many among our ranks are hard-pressed with the reality of countless jobs and opportunities lost. That is what UAP is for. UAP is and should always be a beacon of light, a wellspring of inspiration, a strong scaffolding to support us as we brave the unseen enemy. Let our theme be our personal and collective battle-cry: “PAGBANGON!”
Meanwhile, UAP National President Ar. Renato Heray also calls on fellow architects to do their part in rebuilding the nation. “Indeed, the pandemic has affected both our personal and professional lives. But these times call for us, architects, to continue creating, innovating, and serving just like what we have always been called for,” he says.
He underscores the profession’s role in nation-building and in making a better place for the future generation.
“We are here to serve as a guiding hand in making our country and the world a better place to live in. This is our mission, and I encourage every one of you to do your part in making this mission possible.”
Virtual conference
NCA is the gathering of all Areas of UAP namely, Area A with the composition from Northern Luzon Chapters down to half of Manila Chapters, with Area B from the southern half of Manila Chapters covering the southern part of Luzon, Area C is Visayas and Area D is the whole island of Mindanao.
Pre-pandemic, NCA is held outside of Manila to bring the UAP National nearer to far North or far South of the Philippines. But due to the ongoing situation, UAP conducts NCA thru a virtual conference, gathering its more than 40, 000 member-architects from different regions and countries for the three-day event.
“The conference will have the look and feel of a professional media broadcast of the ‘UAP Corporate Broadcasting Network,’” Ar. Viray adds. “It will be seamless and smooth with no interruptions or glitches in programming. Everyone will be watching an interesting, informative, fast-paced, and enjoyable program, in the safety and comfort of their own home.”
‘Dare to Share Challenge’
Aside from reports of directors and chapter presidents, NCA will also hold inspiration talks from distinguished guest speakers and the UAP National Awards for 2019-2020. There will also be an airing of the “Kwentong Kabayanihan,” a 2-minute video submitted by over 181 chapters on their colleagues’ stories of personal struggles and triumphs in the time of pandemic.
Moreover, NCA participants are encouraged to join the “Dare to Share Challenge,” a fundraiser for colleagues who are in dire need of financial aid. For Php 300, participants are given a Zoom link participation, a mask, and a chance to win in daily raffle draws.
For more information, visit www.united-architects.org
